WHAT IS HAPKIDO?

Master Stephen Millwood (Sobomnim) demonstrating techniques

Q: What is Hap Ki Do?

A: An easy to learn, practical and complete form of self defence from Korea.

Q: What are the benefits of training in Hapkido?                                                                     A: Of course, the most obvious benefit is knowledge of self defence which is one of the major reasons why the martial arts were developed in the first place. Knowing how to defend oneself and loved ones in a potentially dangerous situation is an asset in today’s world just as it was hundreds of years ago.

Many people take up Hapkido for the fitness benefits as well. Training in Hapkido will improve one’s:

·         Cardiovascular fitness

·         Weight control

·         Muscle tone

·         Self discipline

·         Flexibility

·         Joint mobility

·         Coordination

·         Concentration

·         Self control

·         Stress management

Hapkido is a unique Korean Martial Art. It is not a sport like some forms of Taekwondo, Judo and Karate have become. Traditional Hapkido focuses on self defence through physical, mental and spiritual improvement, as well as fighting techniques. Hapkido techniques are not designed for fun or sport. They are designed to damage, cripple and kill. Hapkido can be a vicious fighting form focusing on bone jarring throws, deadly strikes and violent joint locks.

The art was developed and jealously guarded by the priveledged few charged with the protection of the King and the Royal Family, and it's secret techniques were not taught outside the Palace until after the collapse of the Dynasty over 70 years ago.

Since then the art has been renamed Hapkido and enjoys huge popularity throughout Korea and many countries in the Western World.

The literal translation of Hapkido is " The Art (or way) of Coordinated Power."

The aims of the Hapkido practitioner are threefold:

1- To obtain healthy mind and body (spiritual and physical strenght), from positive thought and physical training.

2- To develop good manners in all our dealings and general daily life.

3- To develop the ability and willingness to contribute to the happiness and wellbeing of all.

While learning Hapkido the student acquires numerous skills such as hand, foot and weapons techniques together with spiritual improvements such as positve thinking and mind control. Hapkido is not limited to punching and kicking like many Martial Arts. It is a complete means of self defence and incorporates many techniques that allow self defence with minimum violence and complete control of the opponent. These techniques include joint locks, pressure points, takedowns and restraints as well as punching and kicking.

From the point of view of the ordinary person Hapkido may appear to be only self defence, however the art consists of procedures of both defence and attack.

Hapkido is a suitable means of fitness and self defence for men and women of all ages, from young children to retirees.

If the student of Hapkido chooses to use the attack skills he/she will quickly overwhelm their opponent.